More than half of the people living in Scottish rural areas near salmon farms support the sector and welcome the jobs that it provides to local communities, a new poll has found.
Carried out by independent pollsters Ipsos Scotland, the research sought the views of adults in Argyll and Bute, north-west Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles. It determined that 54 percent of those with at least some knowledge of the sector were “favorable” towards it, while 23 percent were “unfavorable.”
In all five areas where salmon farms are based, the favorability was higher than the opposition.
Eighty-three percent of those surveyed said they knew at least a little about the sector, including 42 percent who said they knew a great deal or a fair amount.
The survey also found that 53 percent supported salmon farms being in their local area, and just 17 percent opposed it.
“This poll shows that most people living near salmon farms in rural Scotland are supportive of salmon farming and appreciate the jobs this provides,” Salmon Scotland Chief Executive Tavish Scott said. “We conducted this independent research among our neighbors as it’s important that we listen to local communities, and this confirms that local people are supportive of salmon farming. Salmon farmers work hard to earn and keep the trust of the local communities they live and work in. I’m confident that the farm-raised salmon sector will continue to grow responsibly and sustainably in the regions we operate in in Scotland, providing vital jobs for the local economy.”
According to Salmon Scotland, the sector supports around 10,000 jobs in Scotland, and generated overseas sales in excess of GBP 600 million (USD 791.9 million, EUR 719.7 million) last year, making it the United Kingdom’s most valuable food export.
Photo courtesy of Wayleebird/Shutterstock
